The hearing is scheduled to continue Thursday night because Wells hasn't withdrawn his request for a special exception that would allow Tex's Smokin' Bar-B-Q to continue operating at Route 309 and Shankweiler Road. Township manager Jeff Bartlett said he spoke with an attorney for Wells who said his client plans to pursue the matter.

That tidbit could signal Wells isn't all out of fight, after all -- good news for folks still hankering after some of his hickory-smoked beef brisket.

When Wells announced the shutdown on Facebook, hundreds of fans urged him to reconsider or relocate. Some offered to let him set up shop on their properties.

Neither Wells nor his wife, Barbara "Momma Wells," have posted anything on Facebook since the May 29 announcement. The website and voicemail message for Tex's Smokin' Bar-B-Q indicate the food truck is closed and Wells did not return calls for comment.

For two years, Wells has run his business in a parking lot he rents from Kevin Hunsicker, who owns a funeral home on the site. North Whitehall officials say his presence there is a zoning violation because the property is approved for one use -- a funeral home.

In addition, there have been complaints to the township about Wells' meat smokers. They produce smoke that permeates structures in the area.

Hershel Walker said the smoke is a nuisance and could be a health hazard for people who live and work in the building he owns on property adjacent to Hunsicker's. He wants Tex's Smokin' Bar-B-Q to go elsewhere.

North Whitehall agreed to let Wells operate until the zoning hearing, which began in April, concluded. On Facebook, Wells said he decided against that, in part because of comments Walker made May 28.

He and others present at the hearing believe Walker was making fun of Wells' multiple sclerosis. Walker said his comments were misconstrued and he was not mocking Wells.